The Dangers of Wasps

The Dangers of Wasps

There are 30,000 different species of wasp, and some of these species are docile and don’t sting. Although, we know the aggressive ones… The most common wasps in Missouri are Yellow Jackets and Mud Daubers. All species of wasps help control the pest insect population, but what do you do if they are building a nest too close to home?

The difference between wasps and bees:

Where do they nest?

Wasp nests are usually hidden from sight: trees, sheds, under porches, in the roof or cracks in the wall is where you’ll find them. During the later summer month, a wasp nest can hold 1,000s of wasps. Did you know the mood of the wasp nest is determined by the queen? A more laid back queen will have a laid back nest, and a hostile queen will cause a problem at your house hold.

Are they aggressive?

You aggravate one wasp, you’ve aggravated them all. Wasps act in swarms, and their stings are not only painful, they can be life threatening for someone who is allergic. In fact, the venom in wasps contains a pheromone that causes other wasps to become more aggressive as well.

What to do if you’re stung by a wasp:

Remove the stinger immediately (you can do this with tweezers or scraping it with a credit card)

Apply ice to help with pain and swelling

Taking an antihistamine such as Benadryl or Claritin

Wash the sting site with soap and water. Placing hydrocortisone cream on the sting can help relieve redness, itching, and swelling.

You will most likely have swelling and pain at the sting site, and possibly a rash and swelling throughout the body.

Signs you’re having a severe allergic reaction:

Trouble breathing

Hives that appear as a red, itchy rash and spread to areas beyond the sting

Swelling of the face, throat, or mouth tissue

Wheezing or trouble swallowing

Restlessness and anxiety

Rapid pulse

Dizziness or a sharp drop in blood pressure

Call 911 if you have these symptoms after a sting!!!

How to get rid of a wasps nest:

CALL A PROFESSIONAL! People have died from wasp attacks, and not just the ones with a severe allergy -Someone who isn’t allergic could have serious health complications after being stung multiple times! The best thing you can do is call a professional like Chilton’s Pest Control and we’ll safely take care of the nest for you.